Getting concave areas swirl free

[sai187]

Hello everyone,

I'm starting to get a bit frustrated with concave areas where I can only fit really small pads in, like 1" for example. (lower sideskirts of my BMW F20)
No matter what I try, using the softest pad and a Koch Chemie finishing polish, I can't finish hologram free. I ended up finishing this area by hand.
But I'm wondering what do I do wrong? I basically have to lean the pad from side to side to match the curve, so I can never have the pad flat in this area. I tried lower speeds, less pressure (to almost no contact). It's just not happening.

Here you can see the sideskirts pretty well: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ef/cd...9a97eba2c9.jpg

[2black1s]

Are you using a rotary? By your description it sounds like it.

If you're not happy with the process and results of the small pad, try a larger pad on edge.

Or continue to do that area by hand... I know a lot of people, including Mike, that like to use a machine for polishing whenever and wherever possible, but some areas are better suited to hand polishing. I do it all the time.

[sai187]

Yes, using a rotary. I guess I have to live with hand polishing then for certain areas.
I'm wondering though what exactly causes the holograms to appear a lot easier when the pad is tilted? The increased pressure because of the small contact area?

[sai187]

I got my problem solved. Using the softest pad I have, which is usually meant to apply waxes and coatings and buffing extra long until the polish was completely clear. Took quiet some time, but still better than hand polish.